Dharwad: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hit out at the Congress in the poll-bound state of Karnataka, saying the Congress will put the state in ‘reverse gear’, depriving it of the benefits of a ‘double engine government’. Addressing a rally in Nawalgund assembly constituency on Friday, Shah said, “On one side is the Congress under the leadership of Rahul Gandhi and on the other side is the BJP under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.” This (Karnataka Assembly) election is your opportunity to decide whether you want a double engine government led by PM Modi, which will take Karnataka forward, or a reverse gear government of the Congress, which will take Karnataka backward.”
Earlier, on Friday, the BJP’s star campaigner addressed a gathering in Shirhatti, where he said that every vote given to the BJP would go towards saving the state from banned outfit Popular Front of India (PFI). “Every vote counts. So make sure it goes to the right leadership. When you vote in favor of the lotus (BJP symbol), you are not voting to elect an MLA or a minister or a chief minister. Your There will be a vote.” Further strengthen the hands of PM Modi in making ‘Great Karnataka’. Your vote will save Karnataka from PFI.”
Taking a dig at Congress National President Mallikarjun Kharge’s statement on PM Modi as a ‘poisonous snake’, the Union Home Minister said, ‘The whole world praises Modi ji. The remarks made by their leaders about Modi-ji are totally shameful. Kharge-ji called Modi-ji a ‘poisonous snake’. Can you vote for such a party?” he said. Voting for the 224-seat assembly will be held on May 10 and the counting of votes will take place on May 13.